A major £100m housing development in Larne has won outline planning permission.

Nuport Developments has been given the early go-ahead for 500 houses on the 45-acre site at Ballyboley in the town.

The Ballyclare-based developer is now expected to progress to a more detailed plan for the housing scheme.

The company's outline masterplan includes a new neighbourhood centre, filling station, creche and changes to the road infrastructure, adding new roads, pedestrian greenways and cycle paths, as well as a children's play area.

Nuport has already been granted planning permission to build 132 homes in a development on Ballyhampton Road in Larne.

The £25m development for 28 detached houses, 98 semi-detached houses and six apartments was approved by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council in June.

The Ballyboley project is expected to generate 80 to 100 construction jobs over a 10-year period, with the Ballyhampton development creating employment for 40 to 50 people during its building phase.

Launching its plan last year, Bryan Orr from Nuport indicated that construction would begin immediately once permission was granted: "The investment will mean a huge boost for the local economy," he said.

"The demand for new family homes in the Larne area is significant and these are our proposals to bring forward quality developments on land that has already been zoned for residential development."

Paul Reid, chairman of the Mid and East Antrim council's planning committee, said the project will provide valuable additions to the area and beneficial amenities for residents.

Council chief executive Anne Donaghy added: "Growing the economy is this council's number one priority and we see our role as doing our utmost to provide the best possible conditions for development and growth."

The massive Ballyboley project will feature a mix of house types, ranging from detached properties to townhouses and apartments.

Nuport's plan also includes a new spine road that will create a link into the western end of the town.

A number of public representatives had expressed concern over an upsurge in traffic at the junction of Antiville Road and Donaghys Lane. The result is that a traffic light system will be installed once 151 dwellings on the site are occupied. It was also agreed that the new facilities, shops, petrol station etc will not become operational until the traffic system is introduced.